An agility show will have a series of obstacles laid out in a large ring. The Kennel Club allows a combination of 20 obstacles to be used on an agility course. The measurements given for the following equipment differ depending on whether the dog's height is large, medium or small.
All obstacles should have a minimum of 5 metres and up to a maximum of 10 metres between centres of consecutive obstacles using the straight line centre-to-centre method.
Obstacles
Hurdles
The height of the hurdle for each height must be as follows:
- large dogs - 60 cm
- intermediate dogs - 50 cm
- medium dogs - 40 cm
- small dogs - 30 cm
Width: 1.2 m minimum.
All bars, planks and fillers must be easily displaced by the dog. The inner upright of the wings must be a minimum of 900mm with no unnecessary protrusions. The height of hurdles in special classes may be lower from those listed above but the height must be included in the schedule.
- Judging – a dog should not be faulted if any part of the obstacle is touched and does not fall
- Recommended – fault if any of the bars are lowered or the wings are knocked over by the dog or handler. If the obstacle is knocked over by the handler before the dog reaches it, the dog should be eliminated, as it cannot complete the course in the correct order
- Refusal – if the dog runs under the bar, jumps the wing, or runs past the line of the wings or if the dog stops, or turns away when in a position to jump the hurdle
- Elimination – dog should be eliminated if it jumps or runs under the hurdle in the wrong direction, does not correct a refusal or takes the obstacle out of sequence
Wall
A wall should have displaceable units on the top. The height of the wall must be:
- large dogs - 60 cm
- intermediate dogs - 50 cm
- medium dogs - 40 cm
- small dogs - 30 cm
- Judging – a dog should not be faulted if any part of the obstacle is touched and does not fall
- Recommended – fault if any of the bars are lowered or the wings are knocked over by the dog or handler. If the obstacle is knocked over by the handler before the dog reaches it, the dog should be eliminated, as it cannot complete the course in the correct order
- Refusal – if the dog runs under the bar, jumps the wing, or runs past the line of the wings or if the dog stops, or turns away when in a position to jump the hurdle
- Elimination – dog should be eliminated if it jumps or runs under the hurdle in the wrong direction, does not correct a refusal or takes the obstacle out of sequence
Rising spread jump
A maximum of two single hurdles placed together to form a double spread, there must be no more than two elements to this obstacle. There must be only one pole on the back hurdle.
The top bar on the first hurdle must be:
- large dogs - 40 cm
- intermediate dogs - 30 cm
- medium dogs - 30 cm
- small dogs - 20 cm
The maximum spread to be:
- large dogs - 55 cm
- intermediate dogs - 47.5 cm
- medium dogs - 40 cm
- small dogs - 30 cm
- Judging – a dog should not be faulted if any part of the obstacle is touched and does not fall
- Recommended – fault if any of the bars are lowered or the wings are knocked over by the dog or handler. If the obstacle is knocked over by the handler before the dog reaches it, the dog should be eliminated, as it cannot complete the course in the correct order
- Refusal – if the dog runs under the bar, jumps the wing, or runs past the line of the wings or if the dog stops, or turns away when in a position to jump the hurdle
- Elimination – dog should be eliminated if it jumps or runs under the hurdle in the wrong direction, does not correct a refusal or takes the obstacle out of sequence
Brush fence
Dimensions and details are the same as for the hurdle. This obstacle must have an easily displaceable top unit.
- Judging – a dog should not be faulted if any part of the obstacle is touched and does not fall
- Recommended – fault if any of the bars are lowered or the wings are knocked over by the dog or handler. If the obstacle is knocked over by the handler before the dog reaches it, the dog should be eliminated, as it cannot complete the course in the correct order
- Refusal – if the dog runs under the bar, jumps the wing, or runs past the line of the wings or if the dog stops, or turns away when in a position to jump the hurdle
- Elimination – dog should be eliminated if it jumps or runs under the hurdle in the wrong direction, does not correct a refusal or takes the obstacle out of sequence
Hoop (Tyre)
Aperture diameter 53.3 cm minimum.
Aperture centre from the ground:
- large dogs - 80 cm
- intermediate dogs - 65 cm
- medium dogs- 55 cm
- small dogs - 49 cm
The hoop to be of a consistent shape, constructed of an impact-absorbing material. All tyres should have bands diagonally opposite each other in contrast to its basic colour or segments in contrasting colours. The tyre/hoop must be directly mounted in a substantial frame structure which must be secured in such a way that dogs cannot knock the obstacle over from either direction; the frame shall not have a beam across the top.
All tyres must have easily displaced element(s). For saloon style tyres, both opening sides must have an ability to swing open to 90-140 degrees from the closed hoop position. They must not self return and must be manually reset.
- Positioning – the hoop/tyre should be positioned so that the dog has a straight approach to the hoop/tyre. It is also advisable for the dog to have a fairly straight approach to a following obstacle
- Recommended – refusal if the dog goes under, or over the tyre, or hits the tyre and falls back. Refusal if dog runs past the line of the tyre, or stops or turns around when in a position to jump the tyre. If the dog displaces the breakaway part of a tyre it should be faulted
- Elimination – if the dog runs or jumps back through any part of the obstacle or if the dog displaces any part of the tyre without negotiating it making it impossible for it to be negotiated successfully
Long jump
Each unit must be a minimum length of 1.2 m. Marker poles with a minimum height of 1.2 m shall be used; these should not be attached to any part of the obstacle.
- Large dogs (5 units): The overall maximum length to be between 1.3 m and 1.5 m. The height of the front unit to be 12.7 cm and the height of the rear unit to be 38.1 cm
- Intermediate dogs (4 units): The overall length to be between 1 m and 1.2 m. The height of the front unit to be 12.7 cm and the height of the rear unit to be 30.5 cm
- Medium dogs (3-4 units): The overall maximum length to be between 70 cm and 90 cm. The height of the front unit to be 12.7 cm and the height of the rear unit to be 22.9 cm
- Small dogs (2 units): The overall maximum length to be between 40 cm and 60 cm. The height of the front unit to be 12.7c m and the height of the rear unit to be 17 cm
- Positioning (recommended) – dogs should have a straight approach to the long jump
- Judging – a clean attempt should be made to clear the obstacle. Casual contact will not be faulted. However, running past, jumping in and out to the side of the marker poles, or walking on or between the elements where no attempt has been made to clear the obstacle will be faulted as a refusal. Knocking down one or more elements will be marked as 5 faults
Water jump
The overall spread should be:
- large dogs – between 1.2 m and 1.5 m
- intermediate dogs – between 1 m and 1.3 m
- medium dogs – between 70 cm and 90 cm
- small dogs – between 40 cm and 50 cm
A low hurdle or brush may be placed in front of the water, with a maximum height of:
- large dogs - 55 cm
- intermediate dogs - 45 cm
- medium dogs - 35 cm
- small dogs - 25 cm
- Judging – a clean attempt should be made to clear the obstacle. 5 faults should be awarded for contact with the water
- Refusal – stopping in front of, or jumping out to the side of the marker poles, or the running past the line of the front should be faulted as a refusal
Wishing well
This obstacle must be of stable construction and will be able to be fixed to the ground. To ensure the safety of the dog, it will have no sharp edges. Should a design be utilised which involves a removable centre section, then the resultant corners must be rounded or padded.
It will have a roof of which the bottom will be no less than:
- large dogs - 150 cm from the ground
- intermediate dogs – 150 cm
- medium dogs - 122 cm from the ground
- small dogs - 95 cm from the ground
The roof must not project beyond the width or depth of the base. It will have a displaceable top bar the height of which will be:
- large dogs - 60 cm
- intermediate dogs – 50 cm
- medium dogs - 40 cm
- small dogs - 30 cm
The minimum space from the top of the bar to the top of the base will be:
- large dogs - 16 cm
- intermediate dogs – 15 cm
- medium dogs - 15 cm
- small dogs - 10.5 cm
The overall width of the base will be between 90 cm and 140 cm. The depth of the base which the dog jumps will be a maximum of:
- large dogs - 55 cm
- intermediate dogs – 47.5 cm
- medium dogs - 40 cm
- small dogs - 30 cm
- Positioning – a straight approach is recommended
- Judging – a dog should be faulted if it touches the base or dislodges the pole
- Refusal – stopping in front of, or running past the line of the well, or for turning away when in a position to jump the well
Pipe tunnel
This obstacle should have a diameter of a minimum of 600 mm and should be a minimum of 3 metres in length.
- Positioning – 3m tunnels should be straight or with a slight curve, 4m tunnels should not curve more than 90 degrees. Tight bends should be avoided
- When tunnels are used under a dog walk, A-Frame or near walls indoors, care should be taken to ensure that the tunnel will not hit them. Judges must ensure that no part of the tunnel is touching or might touch another object.
- Securing – Tunnels should always be fully extended when in the desired shape. The tunnel must be secured to avoid movement. It is recommended that 1 strap per metre should be used. The straps should cover multiple coils and should not be fastened in a way that reduces the diameter of the tunnel. Metal cradles and bungee cords must not be used.
- Judging – refusal for running past the line of the front of the tunnel or entering the tunnel and coming back out of the same entrance
- Note – a dog jumping over the tunnel when attempting to complete the obstacle is a refusal. However, when not attempting the tunnel as the next obstacle, a dog jumping over the tunnel during a round is normally dealt with as wrong course and therefore an elimination
- Elimination – for entering or touching the wrong entrance to the tunnel
Weaving poles
The minimum number of poles should be five and the maximum number 12. They should be in a continuous line, as straight as possible and should be 60 cm apart between the poles.
The poles must be of rigid construction and with a minimum height of 76.2 cm and a diameter between 3.2 cm and 3.8 cm.
The base must have support bars at the bottom of each pole and they must be positioned away from the side a dog would normally negotiate each pole.
- Judging – the dog must enter the weaving poles with the first pole adjacent to its left side. Each incorrect entry should be marked as a refusal, with an elimination once a dog has collected 3 refusals, an error after a correct entry is a maximum of 5 faults. This means a dog can only incur 1 unit of ‘5 faults’ for errors in completing the weaves (excluding refusals); further errors should not be given faults. However any handling of the dog i.e. by knee or hand should be faulted with 5 faults as usual. Deliberate handling to help a dog through the weaves should be an elimination
- Elimination – failure to complete correctly before negotiating any further obstacle. Running back through the weaving poles whilst negotiating the obstacle, suggest two gates, or at any other time during the course by dog constitutes an elimination
See-saw
Will consist of a plank firmly mounted on a central bracket. The length of the plank must be 3.66m. The width must be 29.5cm minimum and 30.5cm. The height of the central bracket measured from the ground to the top of the plank must be 61cm. The maximum distance from the pivot point to the top of the plank should not be more than 10cm. The last 91.4 cm from each end should be a different colour to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. The plank should have a non-slip surface with no slats.
The see-saw must start to tip and then touch the ground between 2–3 seconds after a weight of 1 kg has been placed in the middle of the down contact area.Contact equipment
A-frame
Two ramps 2.74 m long by 91.4 cm wide hinged at the apex 1.7 m from the ground. The last 1.067 m from the bottom of each ramp should be a different colour to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. Each ramp must have a non-slip surface, and anti-slip slats at intervals but not within 15.2 cm of the start of the contact area.
- Positioning – entry onto the contact equipment should be reasonably straight. There should be sufficient room for the dog to get the required speed to reach the top of the obstacle. Consideration should be given to weather conditions at all times
- Judging –
‘A’ Ramp up contact: the dog must ascend onto the obstacle from the front and traverse over, but does not have to make contact with the contact area.
‘A Ramp ’down contact: the dog must touch the down contact with at least one paw or part of a paw. Failure to do so – 5 faults. The dog is considered to have left the obstacle when all four paws are on the ground.
- Recommended – the rules only state that a fault should be given if the dog fails to make the down contact. A dog that leaves the obstacle, and then puts a paw back onto the obstacle should be eliminated. There is no guidance on what part of the dog should touch the contact area, but it is suggested that it should be a paw, or part thereof. A judge should be in such a position where the down contact can be properly judged.
- Refusal – refusal if the dog stops or turns away when in a position to take the obstacle, or if it runs past the line of the furthest point of the first contact area. A dog is considered to have refused the obstacle if it alights before the down ramp
- Eliminations – a dog should be eliminated if it touches or alights the obstacle from the wrong direction
See-saw
Will consist of a plank firmly mounted on a central bracket. The length of the plank must be 3.66 m. The width should be 25.4 cm minimum and 30.5 cm. The height of the central bracket measured from the ground to the top of the plank should be 610 mm minimum and 685 mm maximum. The last 91.4 cm from each end should be a different colour to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. The plank should have a non-slip surface with no slats.
The see-saw must start to tip and then touch the ground between 2–3 seconds after a weight of 1 kg has been placed in the middle of the down contact area.
- Positioning – entry onto the contact equipment should be reasonably straight. There should be sufficient room for the dog to get the required speed to reach the top of the obstacle. Consideration should be given to weather conditions at all times
- Judging – the dog must touch both the up and down contacts with at least one paw or part of a paw. Failure to do so – 5 faults each time it occurs
- Recommended – the rules only state that a fault should be given if the dog fails to touch the up and down contacts with at least one paw or part of a paw. A dog that leaves the obstacle, and then puts a paw back onto the obstacle should be eliminated. A judge should be in such a position that both the up and down contacts can be properly judged
- Refusal – refusal if the dog stops or turns away when in a position to take the obstacle, or if it runs past the line of the furthest point of the first contact area. A dog is considered to have refused the obstacle if it alights before the pivot point on the see-saw. Fault if the exit end of the plank is not touching the ground before the dog alights from the obstacle. An additional fault should be given if the dog alights before touching the contact area. A dog is considered to have refused the obstacle if it alights before the pivot point
- Eliminations – a dog should be eliminated if it touches or alights the obstacle from the wrong direction
Dog walk
A walk plank of approximately 1.2 m measured from the ground to the top of the plank, with firmly fixed ramps at either end. The planks must be 3.66 m in length and a minimum of 25.4 cm and a maximum of 30.5 cm in width. The last 91.4 cm from the bottom of each ramp should be a different colour to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. Each ramp should have a non-slip surface, and anti-slip slats at intervals but not within 15.2 cm of the start of the contact area.
- Positioning – entry onto the contact equipment should be reasonably straight. There should be sufficient room for the dog to get the required speed to reach the top of the obstacle. Consideration should be given to weather conditions at all times
- Judging –
Dog walk up contact: the dog must ascend onto the obstacle from the front and traverse over, but does not have to make contact with the contact area.
Dog walk down contact: the dog must touch the down contact with at least one paw or part of a paw. Failure to do so – 5 faults. The dog is considered to have left the obstacle when all four paws are on the ground.
- Recommended – the rules only state that a fault should be given if the dog fails to make the down contact. A dog that leaves the obstacle, and then puts a paw back onto the obstacle should be eliminated. There is no guidance on what part of the dog should touch the contact area, but it is suggested that it should be a paw, or part thereof. A judge should be in such a position that both the up and where the down contact can be properly judged.
- Refusal – refusal if the dog stops or turns away when in a position to take the obstacle, or if it runs past the line of the furthest point of the first contact area. A dog is considered to have refused the obstacle if it alights before the down down plank
- Eliminations – a dog should be eliminated if it touches or alights the obstacle from the wrong direction
Additional notes
Read more
- All other obstacles – 5 faults for failure to negotiate correctly
- Handler deliberately touching any piece of equipment or their dog – 5 faults (assisting a dog to complete an obstacle should be an elimination)
- Contact area – 5 faults for each failure to make contact
- Refusal/run out – 5 faults for each refusal/run out
- Three refusals/run outs – elimination
- Failure to re-attempt after a refusal – elimination
- Out of control – elimination
- Taking the wrong course – elimination
- Fouling the ring – elimination
- Harsh handling – elimination
- Except for mobility aids, nothing shall be carried in the hand while the dog is under test and food shall not be given to a dog whilst in the ring
- Handler traverses over, under or through any piece of equipment - elimination
- Dog wearing incorrect style of collar – elimination
- Judging decisions should be consistent throughout a class
Under test
The dog and handler are deemed to be under test when instructed by the judge or the judge’s steward, by signal or voice. The test has concluded when the dog has negotiated the last obstacle, or the handler and dog have voluntarily left the ring.
Start
When electronic timing is not used the time should start when any part of the dog passes the line of the start. Starting prior to instruction may result in elimination. If the dog runs by the first obstacle it should be faulted with a refusal.
Finish
When electronic timing is not used the time should finish when any part of the dog passes the line of the finish. When it is used this is not possible therefore any dog going over the line outside of the gates should be faulted a refusal, and the time taken when the dog passes through the finishing gates.
Electronic timing gates
The only obstacles allowed at the start and finish of a standard agility or jumping course are: hurdle, wall, spread jump, brush jump, long jump, tyre, wishing well, pipe tunnel. The electronic timing gates should be positioned within 30 cm (12 ins) in front of the first obstacle and within 30 cm (12 ins) after the last obstacle. The distance between the electronic timing gates should be no less than the width of the part of the obstacle the dog has to negotiate. Whenever possible the timing gates should be placed within the width of the hurdle wings, or in the case of the wall, within the pillars. For the long jump, tyre, wall, wishing well, pipe tunnel, the timing gates should be placed as close as possible to the outside edge of the obstacle without impeding the dog’s natural path.
Please note: this regulation should also apply if manual timing is used in conjunction with start/finish poles.
Please note: this regulation should also apply if manual timing is used in conjunction with start/finish poles.
Cumulative marking/time faults
Faults incurred for failure to negotiate obstacles will be added to the faults incurred for failure to complete the course in the time set. A single fault or part thereof will be added for each second or part thereof over the set time. Actual time will be recorded as displayed by the timing equipment.
Re-runs
Should the judge deem a re-run is required, any result and/or faults gained in the previous run must be discounted.
Other marking
Any variation in the form of marking must be clearly defined to all competitors prior to competition. There will be no variation to standard marking in standard classes.
Recommended
- If a handler knocks an obstacle, causing the pole to drop, prior to the dog taking the obstacle, then the dog should be eliminated, as the dog cannot complete the course in the correct manner
- A dog that takes the next obstacle, before completing the obstacle being negotiated, should be eliminated for taking the wrong course
Refusals
- It is usual to give a refusal if the dog runs past the line of the front of the obstacle, or for one of the contact obstacles, the line of the end of the contact
- A dog that turns away in front of an obstacle, when in position to negotiate it, should also be given a refusal
- Decisions on refusals should be consistent throughout a class
Eliminations
Out of control. This is usually taken as running out of the ring, not in control. A dog that runs to the edge of the ring to ‘challenge’ or attack another dog or spectator should also be held to be out of control. All incidents of a dog out of control should be recorded in the show society’s Incident Book.
Agility course times
Standard class course time
An appropriate set time for each course shall be calculated by the judge, who shall take into account the course length, the height category of the dogs competing, and the grade or grades of the dogs competing in the relevant class, together with any other relevant factors.
The course length must be measured by the judge using a commercially available measuring wheel, using the straight line distance between obstacle centres method. The set time shall be stated by the judge before judging commences.
The course length must be measured by the judge using a commercially available measuring wheel, using the straight line distance between obstacle centres method. The set time shall be stated by the judge before judging commences.
How to measure an agility course straight-line centre-to-centre
Contact equipment
Measure to the centre bottom of the “on” contact area. Lift the wheel and place beside the obstacle and measure to the end of the “off” contact area. Lift the wheel and place at centre bottom of the “off” contact area. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle. Do not measure over the obstacle.
Weaving poles
Measure to the first weaving pole and then in a straight line to the last weaving pole. Do not measure in and out of the poles. Measure alongside the poles in a straight line. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
Pipe tunnel
Measure to the tunnel entrance. Lift the wheel and place to the outer side of the tunnel entrance. Measure around the back of the tunnel (as close as possible to it) to the tunnel exit. Lift wheel and place at centre of tunnel exit. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
Long jump
Measure to the centre of the first element of the long jump. Lift the wheel and measure alongside the long jump to the last element. Lift the wheel and place at centre of the last element of the long jump. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
Spread jump
The spread jump is best measured with the poles removed. Measure through the centre of the two sets of wings. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
Hurdles
Hurdles are best measured with the poles removed. Always measure through the centre of the wings (centre of the pole). Where this is not possible (approach angle is shallow/obscure) then measure to the wings edge and then to the centre of the pole. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
(Serpentine, flick flack, snakes) and double pull through measure from the centre of the first hurdle to the centre of the last hurdle in a straight line. This can be measured from either side of the hurdles.
(Serpentine, flick flack, snakes) and double pull through measure from the centre of the first hurdle to the centre of the last hurdle in a straight line. This can be measured from either side of the hurdles.
Wall and well and tyre
Measure to the front centre of the obstacle. Lift the wheel and place beside the obstacle and measure along side it. Lift the wheel and place at the centre of the other side of the obstacle. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
Measuring back past an obstacle
Measure from the centre of the obstacle to the outside of it. Measure to the centre of the next obstacle.
It is usual for a dog to be allowed to continue once it has been eliminated, but it is permissible, and sometimes necessary for the handler to be asked to leave the ring, once the course time has been reached. Again this should be stated during briefing.
Agility matrix (Nov 2019)
| Course length (metres) | Recommended course time (seconds) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 32 | 29 | 27 | 25 | |
| 100 | 44 | 40 | 36 | 33 | 31 | 29 | 27 | |
| 105 | 47 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 32 | 30 | 28 | |
| 110 | 49 | 44 | 40 | 37 | 34 | 31 | 29 | |
| 115 | 51 | 46 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 33 | 31 | |
| 120 | 53 | 48 | 44 | 40 | 37 | 34 | 32 | |
| 125 | 56 | 50 | 45 | 42 | 38 | 36 | 33 | |
| 130 | 58 | 52 | 47 | 43 | 40 | 37 | 35 | |
| 135 | 60 | 54 | 49 | 45 | 42 | 39 | 36 | |
| 140 | 62 | 56 | 51 | 47 | 43 | 40 | 37 | |
| 142 | 63 | 57 | 52 | 47 | 44 | 41 | 38 | |
| 145 | 64 | 58 | 53 | 48 | 45 | 41 | 39 | |
| 148 | 66 | 59 | 54 | 49 | 46 | 42 | 39 | |
| 150 | 67 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 46 | 43 | 40 | |
| 152 | 68 | 61 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 43 | 41 | |
| 155 | 69 | 62 | 56 | 52 | 48 | 44 | 41 | |
| 158 | 70 | 63 | 57 | 53 | 49 | 45 | 42 | |
| 160 | 71 | 64 | 58 | 53 | 49 | 46 | 43 | |
| 162 | 72 | 65 | 59 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 43 | |
| 165 | 73 | 66 | 60 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 44 | |
| 168 | 75 | 67 | 61 | 56 | 52 | 48 | 45 | |
| 170 | 76 | 68 | 62 | 57 | 52 | 49 | 45 | |
| 172 | 76 | 69 | 63 | 57 | 53 | 49 | 46 | |
| 175 | 78 | 70 | 64 | 58 | 54 | 50 | 47 | |
| 178 | 79 | 71 | 65 | 59 | 55 | 51 | 47 | |
| 180 | 80 | 72 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 51 | 48 | |
| 182 | 81 | 73 | 66 | 61 | 56 | 52 | 49 | |
| 185 | 82 | 74 | 67 | 62 | 57 | 53 | 49 | |
| 188 | 84 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 58 | 54 | 50 | |
| 190 | 84 | 76 | 69 | 63 | 58 | 54 | 51 | |
| 192 | 85 | 77 | 70 | 64 | 59 | 55 | 51 | |
| 195 | 87 | 78 | 71 | 65 | 60 | 56 | 52 | |
| 198 | 88 | 79 | 72 | 66 | 61 | 57 | 53 | |
| 200 | 89 | 80 | 73 | 67 | 62 | 57 | 53 | |
| 202 | 90 | 81 | 73 | 67 | 62 | 58 | 54 | |
| 205 | 91 | 82 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 59 | 55 | |
| 208 | 92 | 83 | 76 | 69 | 64 | 59 | 55 | |
| 210 | 93 | 84 | 76 | 70 | 65 | 60 | 56 | |
| 212 | 94 | 85 | 77 | 71 | 65 | 61 | 57 | |
| 215 | 96 | 86 | 78 | 72 | 66 | 61 | 57 | |
| 220 | 98 | 88 | 80 | 73 | 68 | 63 | 59 | |
| 225 | 100 | 90 | 82 | 75 | 69 | 64 | 60 | |
| 230 | 102 | 92 | 84 | 77 | 71 | 66 | 61 | |
| 235 | 104 | 94 | 85 | 78 | 72 | 67 | 63 | |
| 240 | 107 | 96 | 87 | 80 | 74 | 69 | 64 | |
| Grades: | Large | 1 | 1,2,3 | 2,3,4,5,6 | 4,5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | |
| Intermediate | 1 | 1,2,3 | 2,3,4,5,6 | 4,5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | ||
| Medium | 1,2 | 1,2,3,4 | 3,4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | ||
| Small | 1,2 | 1,2,3,4 | 3,4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | ||
e.g.: the course time for a large grade 3 agility course of 115 metres will be 38-42 seconds. The more flowing, the faster the dog, so choose towards 38 seconds. The more complex, the slower the dog, so choose towards 42 seconds.
Jumping matrix (Nov 2019)
| Course length (metres) | Recommended course time (seconds) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 32 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 24 | |
| 100 | 44 | 40 | 36 | 33 | 31 | 29 | 27 | 25 | |
| 105 | 47 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 32 | 30 | 28 | 26 | |
| 110 | 49 | 44 | 40 | 37 | 34 | 31 | 29 | 28 | |
| 115 | 51 | 46 | 42 | 38 | 35 | 33 | 31 | 29 | |
| 120 | 53 | 48 | 44 | 40 | 37 | 34 | 32 | 30 | |
| 125 | 56 | 50 | 45 | 42 | 38 | 36 | 33 | 31 | |
| 130 | 58 | 52 | 47 | 43 | 40 | 37 | 35 | 33 | |
| 135 | 60 | 54 | 49 | 45 | 42 | 39 | 36 | 34 | |
| 140 | 62 | 56 | 51 | 47 | 43 | 40 | 37 | 35 | |
| 142 | 63 | 57 | 52 | 47 | 44 | 41 | 38 | 36 | |
| 145 | 64 | 58 | 53 | 48 | 45 | 41 | 39 | 36 | |
| 148 | 66 | 59 | 54 | 49 | 46 | 42 | 39 | 37 | |
| 150 | 67 | 60 | 55 | 50 | 46 | 43 | 40 | 38 | |
| 152 | 68 | 61 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 43 | 41 | 38 | |
| 155 | 69 | 62 | 56 | 52 | 48 | 44 | 41 | 39 | |
| 158 | 70 | 63 | 57 | 53 | 49 | 45 | 42 | 40 | |
| 160 | 71 | 64 | 58 | 53 | 49 | 46 | 43 | 40 | |
| 162 | 72 | 65 | 59 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 43 | 41 | |
| 165 | 73 | 66 | 60 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 44 | 41 | |
| 168 | 75 | 67 | 61 | 56 | 52 | 48 | 45 | 42 | |
| 170 | 76 | 68 | 62 | 57 | 52 | 49 | 45 | 43 | |
| 172 | 76 | 69 | 63 | 57 | 53 | 49 | 46 | 43 | |
| 175 | 78 | 70 | 64 | 58 | 54 | 50 | 47 | 44 | |
| 178 | 79 | 71 | 65 | 59 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 45 | |
| 180 | 80 | 72 | 65 | 60 | 55 | 51 | 48 | 45 | |
| 182 | 81 | 73 | 66 | 61 | 56 | 52 | 49 | 46 | |
| 185 | 82 | 74 | 67 | 62 | 57 | 53 | 49 | 46 | |
| 188 | 84 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 58 | 54 | 50 | 47 | |
| 190 | 84 | 76 | 69 | 63 | 58 | 54 | 51 | 48 | |
| 192 | 85 | 77 | 70 | 64 | 59 | 55 | 51 | 48 | |
| 195 | 87 | 78 | 71 | 65 | 60 | 56 | 52 | 49 | |
| 198 | 88 | 79 | 72 | 66 | 61 | 57 | 53 | 50 | |
| 200 | 89 | 80 | 73 | 67 | 62 | 57 | 53 | 50 | |
| 202 | 90 | 81 | 73 | 67 | 62 | 58 | 54 | 51 | |
| 205 | 91 | 82 | 75 | 68 | 63 | 59 | 55 | 51 | |
| 208 | 92 | 83 | 76 | 69 | 64 | 59 | 55 | 52 | |
| 210 | 93 | 84 | 76 | 70 | 65 | 60 | 56 | 53 | |
| 212 | 94 | 85 | 77 | 71 | 65 | 61 | 57 | 53 | |
| 215 | 96 | 86 | 78 | 72 | 66 | 61 | 57 | 54 | |
| 220 | 98 | 88 | 80 | 73 | 68 | 63 | 59 | 55 | |
| 225 | 100 | 90 | 82 | 75 | 69 | 64 | 60 | 56 | |
| 228 | 101 | 91 | 83 | 76 | 70 | 65 | 61 | 57 | |
| 230 | 102 | 92 | 84 | 77 | 71 | 66 | 61 | 58 | |
| Grades: | |||||||||
| Large: | 1 | 1,2 | 2,3,4,5,6 | 3,4,5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | |||
| Intermediate: | 1 | 1,2 | 2,3,4,5,6 | 3,4,5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | |||
| Medium: | 1 | 1,2 | 2,3,4 | 3,4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | ||
| Small: | 1 | 1,2 | 2,3,4 | 3,4,5,6 | 5,6,7 | 7,Ch | Ch | ||
e.g.: the course time for a small grade 4,5 jumping course of 130 metres will be 43-40 seconds. The more flowing, the faster the dog, so choose towards 40 seconds. The more complex, the slower the dog, so choose towards 43 seconds.
Notes to judges
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Regulation H(1)2. – Agility is a competitive activity for handlers and their dogs, for which the dogs must be fit and healthy. It is designed for the enjoyment of competitors, their dogs and appeal to spectators. Informality is encouraged and maximum discretion is granted to societies within the constraints of safety and these regulations. Nothing may be included in an agility show which could endanger the safety of the dogs competing, the handlers or the spectators.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(1) – Test area shall have a suitable surface and measure a minimum of 32m x 32m for outdoor rings. Indoor rings are recommended to be 600 square metres but must be a minimum of 450 square metres with no one side measuring less than 15m. For outdoor all-weather arenas of one or more rings that are enclosed by structure, fence or permanent barrier each ring is recommended to be 800 square metres but must be a minimum of 600 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. All indoor and outdoor all-weather permanently enclosed rings for prestige events and/or championship classes must be a minimum of 800 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. The ring area includes space for officials, including the scrime and ring party, but where possible the ring tent should be outside the arena.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(3) – Design: The course should require a dog to traverse at least 15 obstacles, but not more than 20 and all jump obstacles should be the same height. All obstacles should have a minimum of 5 m and up to a maximum of 10 m between centres of consecutive obstacles using the straight line centre-to-centre method. The distance between the finishing poles should be wide enough to allow a dog to pass through without impediment.
Regulation H(1)(A)5 - Standard classes may be scheduled for agility shows, as agility classes or jumping classes. All standard classes must contain the weaving poles obstacle. Standard agility classes must contain the following elements: A-ramp, dog walk and see-saw. In the event of mitigating circumstances (i.e. adverse weather conditions) at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the competition manager, may omit an item of compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any omission from the equipment must be reported by the show management to The Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(5) – Safety: Obstacles and equipment in the test area must not include unnecessary protrusions and where “wings” or side supports are part of an obstacle the inner upright of the wings must be a minimum of 900 mm.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(7) – Under no circumstances may any obstacle involve the use of fire.
Regulation H(1)(B)1.b. – The judge is responsible for the design of the course and must at all times give total consideration to the safety of the dog.
Regulation H(1)(B)1.c. – No practice is allowed on the course save that competitors will be allowed to walk the course set at small, medium, intermediate or large height, without their dog(s) before the class begins.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(1) – Test area shall have a suitable surface and measure a minimum of 32m x 32m for outdoor rings. Indoor rings are recommended to be 600 square metres but must be a minimum of 450 square metres with no one side measuring less than 15m. For outdoor all-weather arenas of one or more rings that are enclosed by structure, fence or permanent barrier each ring is recommended to be 800 square metres but must be a minimum of 600 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. All indoor and outdoor all-weather permanently enclosed rings for prestige events and/or championship classes must be a minimum of 800 square metres with no one side measuring less than 20m. The ring area includes space for officials, including the scrime and ring party, but where possible the ring tent should be outside the arena.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(3) – Design: The course should require a dog to traverse at least 15 obstacles, but not more than 20 and all jump obstacles should be the same height. All obstacles should have a minimum of 5 m and up to a maximum of 10 m between centres of consecutive obstacles using the straight line centre-to-centre method. The distance between the finishing poles should be wide enough to allow a dog to pass through without impediment.
Regulation H(1)(A)5 - Standard classes may be scheduled for agility shows, as agility classes or jumping classes. All standard classes must contain the weaving poles obstacle. Standard agility classes must contain the following elements: A-ramp, dog walk and see-saw. In the event of mitigating circumstances (i.e. adverse weather conditions) at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the competition manager, may omit an item of compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any omission from the equipment must be reported by the show management to The Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(5) – Safety: Obstacles and equipment in the test area must not include unnecessary protrusions and where “wings” or side supports are part of an obstacle the inner upright of the wings must be a minimum of 900 mm.
Regulation H(1)(B)1a.(7) – Under no circumstances may any obstacle involve the use of fire.
Regulation H(1)(B)1.b. – The judge is responsible for the design of the course and must at all times give total consideration to the safety of the dog.
Regulation H(1)(B)1.c. – No practice is allowed on the course save that competitors will be allowed to walk the course set at small, medium, intermediate or large height, without their dog(s) before the class begins.
Standard classes: H(1)(A)12
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Only 1st prizes and points gained in standard classes at Kennel Club licensed agility shows may be used for progression through the classes. (A dog is only eligible for one grade.) In defining the eligibility of the owner or handler for grade 1, the two wins and points progression referred to in the definition apply only to one dog and not an accumulation of dogs.
a. Grade 1 - For owners, handlers or dogs which have not gained a minimum of two 1st places at grade 1 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, at least one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class. Please note: owners, handlers or dogs previously qualified out of grade 1 (elementary) are not eligible for this class.
b. Grade 2 - Open to dogs which are not eligible for grade 1 or have elected to progress on points from grade 1 and are not eligible for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. (This is where dogs owners or handlers who have previously won out of grade 1 would start with a new dog.)
c. Grade 3 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of two 1st places at grade 2 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class, or have elected to progress on points from grade 2 and are not eligible for grades 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
d. Grade 4 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of three 1st places at grade 3 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping classes), or have elected to progress on points from grade 3 and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7.
e. Grade 5 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four 1st places at grade 4 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7.
f. Grade 6 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four 1st places at grade 5 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7.
g. Grade 7 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of five 1st places at grade 6 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, three of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Wins gained up to 31 December 2006 at intermediate, senior or open classes will count towards progression to advanced.
h. Championship class - Open to dogs having qualified to compete in grade 7 which have had five wins at full height in either grade 6 or grade 7, at least three of which must be gained in agility classes. To consist of two qualifying rounds of standard Kennel Club classes, one agility class and one jumping class and a final round of agility to be held at the same show.
a. Grade 1 - For owners, handlers or dogs which have not gained a minimum of two 1st places at grade 1 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, at least one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class. Please note: owners, handlers or dogs previously qualified out of grade 1 (elementary) are not eligible for this class.
b. Grade 2 - Open to dogs which are not eligible for grade 1 or have elected to progress on points from grade 1 and are not eligible for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. (This is where dogs owners or handlers who have previously won out of grade 1 would start with a new dog.)
c. Grade 3 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of two 1st places at grade 2 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, one of which must have been gained in an agility (not jumping) class, or have elected to progress on points from grade 2 and are not eligible for grades 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
d. Grade 4 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of three 1st places at grade 3 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping classes), or have elected to progress on points from grade 3 and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7.
e. Grade 5 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four 1st places at grade 4 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7.
f. Grade 6 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of four 1st places at grade 5 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, two of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7.
g. Grade 7 - Open to dogs which have gained a minimum of five 1st places at grade 6 at Kennel Club licensed agility shows, three of which must have been gained in agility (not jumping) classes, and are not eligible for grades 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Wins gained up to 31 December 2006 at intermediate, senior or open classes will count towards progression to advanced.
h. Championship class - Open to dogs having qualified to compete in grade 7 which have had five wins at full height in either grade 6 or grade 7, at least three of which must be gained in agility classes. To consist of two qualifying rounds of standard Kennel Club classes, one agility class and one jumping class and a final round of agility to be held at the same show.
Championship agility class
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H(1)5. Championship Agility Certificates (large, intermediate, medium and small dogs)
a. A Kennel Club Agility Certificate will be awarded to any large agility dog, intermediate agility dog, medium agility dog or any small agility dog winning a championship agility class provided such a dog has no faults in the final round of the class. If the winning dog does have faults in the final round of the championship agility class, the award must be withheld.
b. A Reserve Agility Certificate will be awarded to any large agility dog, intermediate agility dog, medium agility dog or any small agility dog placed second in the championship agility class provided it has gained a clear round in the final round of the class. If the second placed dog has faults in the final round the award must be withheld.
H(1)6. Agility championships
a. The Kennel Club will offer at Crufts Dog Show each year the Kennel Club agility championships large dog, the Kennel Club agility championships intermediate dog, the Kennel Club agility championships medium dog and the Kennel Club agility championships small dog. A dog awarded one or more Agility Certificates during the calendar year preceding Crufts Dog Show shall be entitled to compete.
b. The test for the agility championships shall be those required in the championships class in these regulations. If the winning dog(s) do not gain a clear round in the final round the Championship Award shall be withheld.
H(1)7. Ballot for championship running orders
a. Agility round and jumping round – a draw for the running order of the agility and jumping rounds must be made prior to the show. The relevant competitors must be notified before the day of the show. The dogs must run in the order in which they are drawn.
b. Final agility round - dogs to run in reverse order to their combined placings at the end of the first two rounds.
c. A dog must have the same handler for each round of the championship agility class.
H(1)8. Format of the championship class
a. The top 50% of the entry, up to a maximum of 20 dogs, from the combined results of the two qualifying rounds will contest a final round of agility to determine the overall winner. The top 50% up to a maximum of 20 places will be determined by combining the accumulated placings gained by the dogs in the qualifying rounds. Where there are an uneven number of entries in classes, numbers will be rounded up.
b. The 1st placed dog in the final round, having achieved a clear round, will be awarded a Championship Agility Certificate.
c. The 2nd placed dog in the final round, having achieved a clear round, will be awarded a Reserve Championship Agility Certificate.
d. A dog having been eliminated in either qualifying round will not be eligible for the final, even if placed in the top placings.
H(1)9. Management – Societies are responsible for the following:
a. Electronic timing equipment - for the championship class societies must provide suitable electronic timing equipment. Time will also be recorded manually but the electronic time will take precedence. Where the electronic time has successfully been recorded, the manual time can be disregarded.
H(1)(A)13. Championship agility class
a. Points will be awarded for placings in the agility round and jumping round: 1st place - 1 point, 2nd placed - 2 points etc. to the final placed dog, eliminated dogs excepted.
b. The top 50% of the entry up to a maximum of 20 dogs with the lowest accumulated total will be eligible to compete in the final round.
c. Elimination in either of the qualifying rounds will exclude the dog from competition on the final round.
d. In the event of any tie, the time/faults will be taken into account for both qualifying rounds to determine the placings, on the following basis:-
H(1)(B)1(2)
(i) The agility rounds (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain the following elements: A-ramp, dog walk, see-saw, hurdles, hoop (tyre), long jump, pipe tunnel and weaving poles, together with any other obstacles as described in these regulations, at the discretion of the judge.
(ii) The jumping round (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain the following elements: hurdles, hoop (tyre), long jump, pipe tunnel and weaving poles and must exclude contact obstacles.
(iii) The final agility round (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain all the obstacles described in (i) of this regulation, together with any other obstacles as described in these regulations, at the discretion of the judge.
(iv) In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the competition manager, may alter the compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any alterations to the equipment must be reported by the management to The Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
Regulation booklets are updated yearly and can either be downloaded or purchased from our online shop.
If you have any further queries regarding agility equipment or other general agility matters, please email the canine activities department or phone 01296 318540.
a. A Kennel Club Agility Certificate will be awarded to any large agility dog, intermediate agility dog, medium agility dog or any small agility dog winning a championship agility class provided such a dog has no faults in the final round of the class. If the winning dog does have faults in the final round of the championship agility class, the award must be withheld.
b. A Reserve Agility Certificate will be awarded to any large agility dog, intermediate agility dog, medium agility dog or any small agility dog placed second in the championship agility class provided it has gained a clear round in the final round of the class. If the second placed dog has faults in the final round the award must be withheld.
H(1)6. Agility championships
a. The Kennel Club will offer at Crufts Dog Show each year the Kennel Club agility championships large dog, the Kennel Club agility championships intermediate dog, the Kennel Club agility championships medium dog and the Kennel Club agility championships small dog. A dog awarded one or more Agility Certificates during the calendar year preceding Crufts Dog Show shall be entitled to compete.
b. The test for the agility championships shall be those required in the championships class in these regulations. If the winning dog(s) do not gain a clear round in the final round the Championship Award shall be withheld.
H(1)7. Ballot for championship running orders
a. Agility round and jumping round – a draw for the running order of the agility and jumping rounds must be made prior to the show. The relevant competitors must be notified before the day of the show. The dogs must run in the order in which they are drawn.
b. Final agility round - dogs to run in reverse order to their combined placings at the end of the first two rounds.
c. A dog must have the same handler for each round of the championship agility class.
H(1)8. Format of the championship class
a. The top 50% of the entry, up to a maximum of 20 dogs, from the combined results of the two qualifying rounds will contest a final round of agility to determine the overall winner. The top 50% up to a maximum of 20 places will be determined by combining the accumulated placings gained by the dogs in the qualifying rounds. Where there are an uneven number of entries in classes, numbers will be rounded up.
b. The 1st placed dog in the final round, having achieved a clear round, will be awarded a Championship Agility Certificate.
c. The 2nd placed dog in the final round, having achieved a clear round, will be awarded a Reserve Championship Agility Certificate.
d. A dog having been eliminated in either qualifying round will not be eligible for the final, even if placed in the top placings.
H(1)9. Management – Societies are responsible for the following:
a. Electronic timing equipment - for the championship class societies must provide suitable electronic timing equipment. Time will also be recorded manually but the electronic time will take precedence. Where the electronic time has successfully been recorded, the manual time can be disregarded.
H(1)(A)13. Championship agility class
a. Points will be awarded for placings in the agility round and jumping round: 1st place - 1 point, 2nd placed - 2 points etc. to the final placed dog, eliminated dogs excepted.
b. The top 50% of the entry up to a maximum of 20 dogs with the lowest accumulated total will be eligible to compete in the final round.
c. Elimination in either of the qualifying rounds will exclude the dog from competition on the final round.
d. In the event of any tie, the time/faults will be taken into account for both qualifying rounds to determine the placings, on the following basis:-
- The dog with the least course faults in both the agility and jumping rounds takes the higher place
- In the event that these dogs are still equal, the dog with the fastest combined time takes the higher place
H(1)(B)1(2)
(i) The agility rounds (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain the following elements: A-ramp, dog walk, see-saw, hurdles, hoop (tyre), long jump, pipe tunnel and weaving poles, together with any other obstacles as described in these regulations, at the discretion of the judge.
(ii) The jumping round (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain the following elements: hurdles, hoop (tyre), long jump, pipe tunnel and weaving poles and must exclude contact obstacles.
(iii) The final agility round (large, intermediate, medium and small) must contain all the obstacles described in (i) of this regulation, together with any other obstacles as described in these regulations, at the discretion of the judge.
(iv) In the event of extreme adverse weather conditions at a show a judge, with the full agreement of the competition manager, may alter the compulsory equipment as deemed appropriate at the time. Any alterations to the equipment must be reported by the management to The Kennel Club within 14 days of the date of the show.
Regulation booklets are updated yearly and can either be downloaded or purchased from our online shop.
If you have any further queries regarding agility equipment or other general agility matters, please email the canine activities department or phone 01296 318540.